Category Archives: laurel

Laurel Library Public Art Makes the Map!

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The Public Art Archive (PAA) is a free, continually growing database of completed public artworks. The Archive aims to raise awareness about the value of public art and help make it possible for stakeholders to advance the professionalism of public artists and practitioners in allied fields.

The Laurel Library artwork “Involve Me and I Learn” made by Washington Glass Studio.

The PAA has an easy-to-use website that allows one to search for completed public artwork on its site using various descriptors. It also creates a fun graphic map of the artworks across the United States and PAA map can also be used to create awareness and help guide tours of public art in local communities.

We are proud to announce that our Laurel Library public art project “Involve Me and I Learn” community-based sculpture was selected from over 500 submissions representing diverse and innovative public art from all 50 US states for inclusion in the new map. The PAA website also includes other Washington Glass Studio public art projects, including the Library of Congress doors, Florida’s West Palm Beach Tourism Office, and the Beanes Community Center, and others.

Images of the selected USA Public Art installations are currently being made into the new map by Colorado-based illustrator Kara Fellows, which we will share with all upon its completion.

Original Public Art map – in the new version – Laurel Library will be in all its glory!

Posted in Art In Public Places, glass public art, laurel, Public Art, Washington Glass Studio | Tagged , ,

Laurel Library’s Grand Opening Features Public Art Sculpture by Washington Glass Studio

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玻璃艺术雕塑

Washington Glass Studio sculpture at the new Laurel Library. Photo by Pete Duvall.

The Washington Glass Studio (WGS) has recently completed installation of a community based site specific public art commission for Prince George’s County Laurel Library. The new building was designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, with the grand opening of the new library scheduled for November 28, 2016. Features of the spectacular new library include an inset floor area in the children’s section where kids will get to peer at a replica velociraptor skeleton through the glass floor. Just a few miles away from the library site is Dinosaur Park, where scientists work to excavate fossils from the early Cretaceous period. Dinosaur imagery was also included as a theme running through the glass artwork panels.

WGS design proposal sketch

WGS design proposal sketch.

WGS was awarded the commission to make the outdoor sculpture at the front of the new library by Maryland’s Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC). The Art in Public Places Program RFQ sought out artwork that would provide world class artwork for Prince George’’s County residents and visitors. 

WGS proposal for the project was a 17’H internally illuminated glass and steel sculpture that incorporates glass panels made by the community,residents and stakeholders of the Laurel, MD community. The engineering of the steel framework involved detailed analysis of the structure and its components. WGS worked with structural engineer Holbert Apple to ensure the integrity of the design.

Detailed analysis of sculpture was part of the design development process.

Detailed analysis of sculpture was part of the design development process.

Over 100 glass inset panels were made during the series of workshops held at the Washington Glass School. The Baltimore Sun newspaper featured a story by reporter Lisa Philip about the process. 

A series of community glass quilting bees were held at the Washington Glass School for the library during the summer.

A series of community glass quilting bees were held at the Washington Glass School for the library during the summer. Photo by Lisa Philip/Baltimore Sun

 

 

The artwork’s title “Involve Me and I Learn”  is based on a phrase attributed to US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin (who also opened the first US public library). The name references the engagement of the community. The neighborhood and the Laurel Library supporters had joined in making the individual glass panels in workshops at the Washington Glass School.Laurel_Library.artists.washington_glass_school.studio.sculpture.public_art.project.american.great.commission.site_specific.fused.jpg

The resulting variations in each tile’s imagery and technique embody the artist’s concept in bringing the people from the diverse community together to create a cohesive and vibrant sculpture. 

 

 

The artwork inset kiln-formed glass panels express the personality and the individuality of everyone involved in the project.

The artwork’s internally illuminated kiln-formed glass panels express the personality and the individuality of everyone involved in the project. Photo by Pete Duvall

Project  Information

Artist: Washington Glass Studio 

Design Team: Laurie Brown, Michael Janis, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Audrey Wilson. With Josh Hershman and Pierre Browning.

Structural Engineer : Holbert Apple Assoc Inc 

玻璃艺术雕塑 WGS_Laurel Library.MD.aipp.washington_glass_studio.public_art.sculpture.site.specific.sustainable.design.usa.jpg

Photo by Pete Duvall

Laurel Library
507 7th Street, Laurel, MD 20707

Grand Opening / Dedication – 10:30 AM, Monday, November 28, 2016 – All are invited!

Posted in american studio glass, anything photographic. anythingphoto.net, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, contemporary art glass, glass and steel, glass and steel sculpture, glass architecture., kiln fused glass, kiln-formed glass, laurel, light sculpture, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, sculpture, studio art glass, twenty first century sculpture, warm glass, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

Washington Glass Studio Installs Laurel Library Public Art

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The steel structure is lowered by crane onto the foundation at the new Laurel Library

The steel structure is lowered by crane onto the foundation at the new Laurel Library

Washington Glass Studio installed their outdoor sculpture at the new Laurel, Maryland library. The 16′ H tower titled “Involve Me and I Learn” has over 100 glass tiles mounted in the steel framework. The artwork’s title – attributed to Ben Franklin – references the engagement of the community. The neighborhood and the Laurel Library supporters had joined in making the individual glass panels in workshops at the Washington Glass School. The Baltimore Sun had earlier in the year covered the story of the glass quilting bee workshops.

Siteworks for the sculptural and architectural application of glass were completed and the risky business of installing the works just took place.

Audrey Wilson rises to meet the challenge.

Audrey Wilson rises to meet the challenge.

Washington Glass Studio Co-Director Erwin Timmers bolts the steel framed glass panels to the main structure.

Washington Glass Studio Co-Director Erwin Timmers bolts the steel framed glass panels to the main structure.

The panels were fitted and bolted in place and the internal LED lighting was installed. Prince George’s Art in Public Places has advised that the official opening of the stunning library is set for November 28th.laurel (2)

Posted in american glass, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, contemporary art glass, glass and steel sculpture, laurel, library of, maryland, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, sculpture, twenty first century sculpture

Artist Josh Hershman Put To Work!

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Josh Hershman preps the glass prior to mounting into the powdercoated steel sculpture structure.

Josh Hershman masks the glass prior to mounting into the powdercoated steel sculpture structure.

Artist and recent Alfred University MFA graduate Josh Hershman has come to the Washington Glass Studio. Josh will be working on the studio’s Public Art project for the Laurel Library – integrating the community-created glass artwork with the structural steel.

JOSH HERSHMAN; Glass, alternative photo process, ceramic decals, size 32″ x 32″

JOSH HERSHMAN: “Derealization”; Glass, alternative photo process, ceramic decals, size 32″ x 32″

Readers of the Washington Glass School blog might remember the 2014 post when the Arizona Art Glass Alliance visited the Glass School – where Josh took photos using his signature cast glass cameras – the resulting photos were part of Josh’s artwork his piece Derealization, which was awarded first place in the Glass Art Society’s International Student Exhibition in December 2014.

Josh is orchestrating the cold construction fabrication of the new outdoor sculpture at the Glass Studio for the next couple of weeks – and then he will be off to become the Resident Artist at California’s Leichtag Foundation where he will teaching sculptural design.

If you are in and around the Glass School – make sure you say hey to Josh!

Josh Hershman art

Josh Hershman looks forward to seeing everyone!

Posted in josh hershman, laurel, Public Art

Laurel Library Public Art – Final Workshop for Community Glass Components

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Washington Glass Studio was commissioned by Prince George’s County to create the public artwork for the new Laurel Library- scheduled to open this Fall – held a series of community glass-making workshops that had the area residents participate in making the elements of the glass and steel artwork. The Baltimore Sun newspaper covered one of the May workshops, and the final workshop wrapped up today.  

The final community group had a great time designing and creating glass artwork that will part of the outdoor sculpture – created like a community quilting-bee. Updates on the project will be coming soon!

The novice glass artists take to the medium like... well... a frog to water!

The novice glass artists take to the medium like… well… a frog to water!

Each community resident brought their artistic vision to be realized in glass.

Each community resident brought their artistic vision to be realized in glass.

The glass components will be secured into a powdercoat steel frame support.

The glass components will be secured into a powdercoat finished steel frame support.

Posted in laurel, Prince George's County, Public Art

Washington Glass School Wishes All A Peaceful Memorial Day

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One of the fused glass panels made for the new Laurel Library public artwork.

One of the fused glass panels made for the new Laurel Library public artwork.

To many, Memorial Day, the federal U.S. holiday that takes place every year on the last Monday of May, is just another excuse for a three-day weekend. It’s also known as the day that marks the official start of summer and as a day devoted to getting great deals at the mall. However, the true meaning of Memorial Day goes far beyond barbecues and mattress sales.

The holiday began after the Civil War, and at that time was known as “Decoration Day.” While it was originally founded to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War, today, Memorial Day is a day to honor all of the Americans who have died in military service.

Patriotic Americans should take a moment from their day of celebration and leisure to reflect on the brave sacrifices of those who have given their lives for this great nation. 

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. George Washington

 

Posted in fused float glass, fused glass, laurel, memorial day

Baltimore Sun Covers Washington Glass Studio’s Laurel Library Artwork Workshops

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The Washington Glass Studio was awarded the commission to create the new landmark artwork sculpture for the Laurel Library (now under construction next to Emancipation Park in Laurel, MD). Baltimore Sun reporter Lisa Philip visited the Washington Glass Studio last week as the Library area residents and interested citizens collaborated in glass-making workshops to make the inset panels . Click HERE to jump to Lisa Philip’s article on how the artwork is engaging the community.

Baltimore Sun coverage of how the Washington Glass Studio engages community.

Baltimore Sun coverage of how the Washington Glass Studio engages community.

photo credit:Lisa Philip / Baltimore Sun Media Group Erwin Timmers, co-founder and -director of Washington Glass Studio, advises a Laurel resident on his creation of a glass tile for the public art sculpture that will stand in front of the new Laurel Library, set to open this fall.

photo credit:Lisa Philip / Baltimore Sun Media Group
Erwin Timmers, co-founder and -director of Washington Glass Studio, advises a Laurel resident on his creation of a glass tile for the public art sculpture that will stand in front of the new Laurel Library, set to open this fall.

Posted in "washington glass studio", AIPP, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, Baltimore Sun, erwin timmers, laurel, outdoor glass art, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art

Washington Glass Studio Engages Community With Laurel Library’s Public Art

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Washington Glass School & Studio

Prince George’s County’s Art in Public Places promotes community interaction in the creation of the new artwork sculpture at the Laurel Library. Residents of the area are invited to the Glass School to create the glass panels in the sculpture.

Prince George’s County, MD, recently awarded Washington Glass Studio the commission to create of one of the public art sculptures destined to become a landmark at the new Laurel Library, currently completing construction.

WGS is working with Arts in Public Places (AIPP) –  Prince George’s County Government’s public art program that contributes to the place-making and aesthetic significance of Capital Improvement Projects. AIPP creates percent-for-art initiatives that integrate works-of-art into new and (substantially) renovated County buildings as part of construction costs of the facility.

Proposal sketch by Washington Glass Studio.

Proposal sketch by Washington Glass Studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Laurel Library public art process involves community and facility stakeholders, artists, construction professionals and local government officials. Community glass making workshops have been held, and a there has been a great start on the artwork! 

The new glass artists lay out their designs.

The new glass artists lay out their designs.

The first batch of fused glass artworks is reviewed in the studio.

The first batch of fused glass artworks is reviewed in the studio.

One of the artworks references the new library’s lighted dinosaur footprints leading to the Discovery Island children’s room that will have a glass floor exposing a full-size velociraptor skeleton replica. The room will hold two children’s seating areas, one within a large dinosaur rib cage and the other decorated with volcano lava and light effects.

Posted in AIPP, art glass, Art In Public Places, commissioned glass sculpture, glass and steel, glass and steel sculpture, laurel, Prince George's County, Public Art